Description
This Easy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti recipe offers a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese sauce thickened with a natural gelling agent, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it combines creamy, smoky, and savory notes with a hint of sweetness for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or regular
Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream substitute
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup grape juice
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Cook the chicken breasts in boiling salted water until tender, then shred finely using two forks. In a separate pan, crisp the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crunchy, then place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add vegetable broth, grape juice, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring gently. Slowly pour in the plant-based heavy cream substitute and sprinkle the natural gelling agent, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in plant-based cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken and smoked turkey bacon into the creamy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and stir gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to taste.
- Serve Warm: Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken to absorb flavors better and stay tender.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente spaghetti holds the creamy sauce well and prevents mushiness.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed after adding the natural gelling agent.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off heat before serving to meld flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Monterey chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, plant-based cheese recipe, smoked turkey bacon pasta, quick chicken dinner
